JUDO: USA Judo Announces U.S. Armed Forces Initiative

For Immediate Release
January 29, 2008 Contact: Nicole Jomantas, 719.866.4732
Nicole.Jomantas@usajudo.us (Colorado Springs, Colo.)-As a continuing effort to expand the support base and growth of Judo in the United States, USA Judo is pleased to announce that Rick Donnelson (Lansing, Kans.), head coach of the United States Military Judo Team, has been appointed to the position of U.S. Military Liaison for USA Judo. Donnelson will be assisted by a newly formed Military Judo Ad-hoc committee made up of Sgt. Major Mayfield (Jacksonville, N.C.), Leo White (Lilburn, Ga.), Chester Evans (Franklinton, N.C.) and Major Hector Morales (Tallahassee, Fla). As the Liaison for USA Judo with the U.S. Armed Forces, Donnelson will be responsible for the implementation and oversight of judo programs on military bases throughout the United States and abroad. Already six military bases have started judo program for both the members of the Armed Forces and family members living on the base."I am excited about this new opportunity to develop grassroots judo programs on military bases throughout the country,"Donnelson said."With the support of USA Judo, this program is proving to be a tremendous success in helping to reinvigorate the sport of judo in the United States."Presently, Donnelson instructs the judo program in Ft. Leavenworth and Ft. Riley, Kans. with new programs beginning soon in Ft. Still, Okla. and Ft. Carson, Colo."We are excited to have Rick heading this new program and we hope that this will help grow the sport of judo throughout the United States,"said USA Judo Director of Athlete Performance Eddie Liddie (Colorado Springs, Colo.) "In the past, we've had many successful athletes come out of our military programs, including Leo White who not only won four world military titles, but was one of the best athletes in the era, competing on two Olympic Teams as well. It is our hope, that, with the help of this new committee, we can develop new military athletes who will have success on both the international and national level."For more information, contact Nicole Jomantas, USA Judo Director of Communications and Media Relations, at 719.866.4732 or Nicole.Jomantas@usajudo.us. -END-